Audi is said to be in negotiations with McLaren about a takeover. McLaren has rejected a first takeover offer from Audi because it was too low, reports news agency Bloomberg based on insiders.
Audi is now considering a possible higher offer and will see whether it is financially interesting. Sources of Reuters confirm the interest, but indicate that it could take until next year before a possible deal on an acquisition or collaboration is reached. Earlier this week, the first rumors about a takeover appeared, to which BMW was also mentioned. BMW has already indicated that it is not interested.
Audi would like to take over not only the automotive branch of McLaren, but also the Formula 1 team. However, the investors behind McLaren would not agree yet whether they want to sell the company or whether they want to take it to the stock market through a takeover by an empty stock market shell. Audi could also opt for a collaboration with another Formula 1 team such as that of Red Bull or Williams for an entry into Formula 1. Audi has previously said it ‘regularly considers ideas for collaborations’. McLaren has so far stuck with a statement that “nothing has changed in the ownership structure”.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl